MLB Game Preview: Chicago Cubs (78-58) vs. Colorado Rockies (38-98)

Venue & Game Info

• Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
• First Pitch: 3:10 PM ET / 1:10 PM MT / 12:10 PM PT
• Venue: Coors Field, 2001 Blake Street, Denver, CO 80205
• Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass
• Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network (CHI), Rockies.TV (COL), MLB.TV

Weather Update

• Conditions: Outdoor venue; warm late‑summer afternoon in Denver.
• Forecast at First Pitch: Mostly sunny, ~87°F (31°C), light WSW breeze 5–7 mph, humidity ~28%.
• Impact: Thin air + warm temps = classic Coors Field hitter‑friendly environment; ball expected to carry well.

Injury Report

Chicago Cubs:

• Jameson Taillon (RHP) – 15‑Day IL (groin)
• Ryan Brasier (RHP) – 15‑Day IL (groin)
• Miguel Amaya (C) – 10‑Day IL (ankle)
• Mike Soroka (RHP) – 15‑Day IL (shoulder)
• Eli Morgan (RHP) – 60‑Day IL (elbow)
• Justin Steele (LHP) – 60‑Day IL (elbow)

Colorado Rockies:

• Dugan Darnell (RHP) – 60‑Day IL (hip)
• Thairo Estrada (INF) – 60‑Day IL (hamstring)
• Seth Halvorsen (RHP) – 15‑Day IL (elbow)
• Zach Agnos (RHP) – 15‑Day IL (hand)
• Kris Bryant (OF) – 60‑Day IL (lumbar)
• Jeff Criswell (RHP) – 60‑Day IL (elbow)

Probable Pitchers

• CHI: LHP Matthew Boyd (12‑7, 2.82 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 137 K)
  • Veteran lefty having a bounce‑back year; excellent road ERA (2.65).
  • Career vs. COL: 2‑1, 3.54 ERA in 4 starts.
• COL: RHP Tanner Gordon (5‑5, 6.44 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 32 K)

• Struggles with command (3.8 BB/9) and HR prevention (1.7 HR/9).
• First career start vs. Cubs.

Recent Form

Chicago Cubs – Last 5: W‑W‑L‑L‑L

• Won first two games of this series; offense averaging 4.9 runs/game (7th MLB).
• Pitching staff ERA 3.83 (8th MLB); bullpen save rate 70%.

Colorado Rockies – Last 5: L‑L‑L‑L‑W

• On a 4‑game losing streak entering finale; 2‑8 in last 10.
• Team ERA 5.51 over last 10 games; offense hitting .236 in that span.

Series History

• 2025 Season Series: Cubs lead 5‑0.
• Cubs have outscored Rockies 38‑18 in those games.
• Chicago has won 7 straight vs. Colorado dating back to 2024.

Key Player Matchups

• Pete Crow‑Armstrong (CHI) vs. Tanner Gordon
  • PCA: 28 HR, .498 SLG; speed/power combo plays well in Coors’ spacious outfield.
• Kyle Tucker (CHI) vs. Rockies Bullpen
  • Tucker: 11‑for‑36 (.306) last 10 games with 3 HR, 8 RBI.
• Hunter Goodman (COL) vs. Matthew Boyd
  • Goodman: Team‑leading .275 AVG, 26 HR, 76 RBI; dangerous vs. lefties (.298 AVG).
• Brenton Doyle (COL) vs. Cubs Middle Relief
• Doyle: 11‑for‑37 (.297) last 10 games with 3 HR, 9 RBI.

Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs:

• 6‑4 in last 10 games.
• 5‑0 vs. Rockies this season.
• Under is 6‑4 in last 10 road games.

Colorado Rockies:

• 2‑8 in last 10 games.
• 21‑47 at home this season.
• Over is 6‑4 in last 10 home games.

Head‑to‑Head:

• Cubs 7‑0 last 7 vs. Rockies.
• Over is 4‑2 in last 6 meetings at Coors Field.

Suggested Wagering Model

Primary Lean: Cubs ‑1.5 (‑125)

• Boyd’s form + Cubs’ dominance in series + Rockies’ pitching struggles make a multi‑run win likely.

Secondary Lean: Over 11 Runs (‑110)

• Coors Field factor + warm weather + Rockies’ bullpen issues point to a high‑scoring game.

Prop Angle: Pete Crow‑Armstrong Anytime HR (+500)

• Power/speed threat in hitter‑friendly conditions vs. a pitcher prone to HRs.